‘Beauty and the Beast’: To be Enchanted

In her current show, Jessica Lorion’s roles have included a French townsperson, a ferocious wolf, a piece of flatware, a napkin and a feather duster.

“I’d never been an inanimate object before this,” says Lorion, a cast member in, of course, the “Beauty and the Beast” musical.

She joined the production as part of the ensemble, but recently stepped up to play a French maid-turned-feather duster, Babette, one of the characters known as the Enchanted Objects. Fans of the Disney movie will remember Babette for her coquettish French accent and her romance with suave Lumiere, the candelabra.

The creative team responsible for the original adaptation of “Beauty” reunited for this fourth national tour. More than 15 years have passed since the Broadway premiere.

Performing in this musical, in this city, is particularly thrilling for Lorion, who grew up near Boston. She recalls being enchanted by the show.

“My mom happened to know someone involved in the show, and the woman let us come backstage,” Lorion says. “I remember seeing Gaston walk by me and being so excited. It’s really great coming full circle and coming home to Boston.”

Be our guest

Lorion’s favorite scene is “Be Our Guest,” when the castle servants treat Belle to an elaborate dinner and performance.

“We have tumbling carpets and napkins that do high kicks and jumps,” says Lorion, who sings and dances in the number.